Charite Artificial Disc
Many unsuspecting patients turned to the Charite Artificial Disc as a way to stop the constant pain caused by the serious, yet treatable spinal condition known as Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD). Ironically, the device that was supposed to relieve them from pain and improve their quality of life ended up causing more pain and suffering then the underlying condition itself.
The Charite Artificial Disc is a spinal disc implant manufactured by DePuy Spine (a division of Johnson and Johnson) that is used to treat patients with advanced Degenerative Disc Disease. Following FDA approval in October of 2004, DePuy Spine marketed the device as the worlds first artificial total disc replacement for the spine. However, in the two years since it’s approval, recipients of the device are now coming forward with complaints of increased levels of pain and discomfort following surgery to implant the controversial device.
More about Degenerative Disc Disease:
Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease is a common spinal disorder that affects an estimated 10 to 12 million people in the United States. The condition occurs when spinal discs deteriorate by means of losing moisture, height and integrity of the tissues as a result of injury, daily stress or natural aging. This deterioration causes vertebrae to rub against one another, damaging nerve tissues and resulting in pain, numbness and other neurological side effects.
A healthy spinal disc contains a fair amount of water in the center which gives it a spongy quality. This, in turn, allows the spine to absorb stress caused by daily activities and natural wear and tear. The disc also has an outer ring of strong ligaments that secure each vertebrae to one another. With DDD, the loss of water content causes the discs to lose some of their ability to act as cushions, and can result in the vertebrae moving closer to one another.
The most common early symptom of Degenerative Disc Disease is usually pain in the lower back that spreads to the buttocks and sometimes upper thighs. Conservative treatment is usually the first course of action for DDD including rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, spinal injections and chiropractic treatments. In cases where conservative treatments fail to bring relief, patients consider additional options including Spinal Fusion Surgery and Artificial Disc Replacement.
If you or a loved one have been injured by the Charite Artificial Disc, contact us immediately at 800-966-4999 and see why our law firm has recovered over $100 million on behalf of our clients.
